Angewandte Chemie

Lithium-ion batteries are necessary for next-generation consumer electronics to compete with market demands for longer battery life and unsurpassed power. And researchers are focusing on making these power sources safer and better for the environment.

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Lab say that ceramics can improve the batteries of tomorrow. Testing of a garnet ceramic material LLZO suggests that it might be the perfect protector for lithium anodes in batteries that last longer and do more.

These color-enhanced scanning electron microscope images show nanosheets resembling tiny rose petals. The nanosheets are key components of a new type of biosensor that can detect minute concentrations of glucose in saliva, tears and urine. The technology might eventually help to eliminate or reduce the frequency of using pinpricks for diabetes testing. (See second story…